Traveling to Europe on a budget can be challenging and one of the best ways to accomplish this is through backpacking. Aside from planning the purchase of the airfare, the cost of lodging, transportation, and food all come into play in your European vacation. Once the airfare is taken care of, there are tips for getting around Europe and enjoying all it has to offer, even when your budget is tight.

Simple Digs

For those who love the experience of diving into the culture of a region, a stay at a five-star hotel isn’t going to make it. Not only are these hotels somewhat removed from the experience, they are very expensive.

Instead, staying in hostels and campgrounds around Europe will give you the freedom to explore the region fully, and without barriers. With just a knapsack on your back and a satchel with a bite of food and fresh water, you can take off anytime to visit festivals, find outdoor music events, or stop at the local street vendors to enjoy real homemade food, beverages, or to find a trinket or two.

Luxury Living for Less

If you are not the type to go backpacking across Europe, you can find affordable motels, hotels, and bed-and-breakfast places. Do the research first, either online or with a travel agent. You can often find discounted rooms with groups, or last minute deals. Don’t forget to look into ‘boarding’ situations. There are some big, old houses, even castles, that feature rooms for boarders at reasonable rates.

Don’t be afraid to book out-of-the-way accommodations to save money, like cottages, farms, or places in small villages. The travel options in Europe are often very modern, fast, and convenient to many cities and towns. A couple subway or train stops, and you’ll be right in the center of the city, enjoying the sights. You’ll even find airfare between countries sometimes to be cheaper than travelling the trains!

Cheap Sightseeing

One of the great things about travelling and exploring Europe is there is so much to see, so much history. Once you get your accommodations settled, you’ll be wanting to see the sights. Oftentimes, your hotel will offer discounts for admission to the most popular attractions and landmarks. Map out your destinations and see if you can get a package rate if sightseeing is big on your agenda.

Each country has something unique to offer, whether it’s the natural beauty, great landscapes, architecture, ocean views, and, of course, the people. Because of this, many things you want to experience will not cost you a thing. Just bring along your camera and enjoy the experience, just for the cost of a memory card.

Taking In One Destination

Perhaps, rather than a ìworld tourî you would like to get and stay entrenched in one country or one culture. Where would you like to spend your time? If you’ve always had one destination in mind, by all means do the research and find out how to immerse yourself in that destination. If staying put or sticking with one theme sounds like a grand idea, it’s time to explore some options.

Take a look at Switzerland. Skiing and the beauty surrounding the mountains is a wonderful destination. Switzerland has great ski slopes and you can find affordable rates for motels either on the mountain top or down in the valleys below. Hiking trails along the mountainside are also an option if you would rather stay on foot instead of braving the deep snow. Research other things the country has to offer as well. Just because itís known for skiing doesnít mean you should miss out on other seasons. Maybe some caving, also known as spelunking, in the summer months is something you would enjoy.

In Croatia, you can experience the colors in lakes and valleys like you have never seen or thought of before. Hues of blues and greens that you did not know even existed will greet you on your journey through Plitvice National Park. This place is known to be one of the most picturesque places to visit in all of Europe. With sixteen interlocking lakes and forests, this is truly nature at its finest.

You may be more inclined to explore a single historic icon of Europe. For instance, something you would never find in your own backyard, like a castle. There are many European countries that have their own collection of historic castles. You could spend days exploring the castle, the grounds, and the relics, while hearing tales of valiant knights and their ladies in distress. Many of these places are open to the public for little or no cost, often just asking for donations. You could map out an entire vacation’s worth of castles to explore, or wineries, or whatever your heart desires.

When you make Europe your vacation destination, it doesn’t have to mean bankruptcy is right around the corner. Whether you want a cozy stay in a country inn, the freedom to explore with just a pack on your back, or all the comforts of a city hotel, with a little planning, you can find the right way to enjoy your European vacation and stay within your budget.

National and State Parks

Places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone are popular places to go with your family. But, don’t forget your own local and state parks. These, too, are excellent places to take your family. Not only are they affordable family vacations but they also can educate your family while enjoying what nature has to offer.

You may like to set up a trailer or tent on the campgrounds. This often is a fraction of the cost of staying in a hotel. You’ll be able to listen to the chatter of nature around you that you may not be able to experience in another more crowded environment.

National and state parks typically offer a great outdoor adventure. Take your family hiking, splash through creeks and rivers, stare down into the depths of sheer rocks, or spend time together in awe as you watch massive geysers shoot water hundreds of feet into the air. If your family loves the outdoors, this is a great, inexpensive vacation to consider.

Museums and Exhibitions

If you have children who would love to explore more of their heritage, historical events that have helped shape the country, national heroes, or sports legends, you may want to visit places such as:

Washington DC for their National Gallery of Art or National Air and Space Museum.

Phoenix, AZ is famous for their Heard Museum featuring Native American art or their Desert Botanical Gardens.

Austin, TX is where you can go on an eco-adventure canopy tour, or discover the thrill of a bat watching tour.

Many museums offer free days for families, along with interactive exhibitions specifically aimed at keeping kids entertained, and informed. Check your local library or travel bureau for nearby exhibits.

Faraway Places with Family Budget Prices

If your family is anxious to experience a more exotic destination, but your budget is feeling squeezed, think about an all-inclusive resort on one of the breath-taking beaches of the Bahamas. It may actually cost less than what you might think. There are always packages specifically designed to entice the budget-conscious family.

Many of these places also offer a variety of childrenís activities to keep the little ones entertained while Mom and Dad go off snorkeling or checking out the casinos, or merely strolling hand-in-hand among the vendors or along the beach. Other places such as Cancun or even far away Valencia offer many parks, beaches, and museums to explore for free or low cost.

Magazines like Budget Travel, along with local travel and tourism websites and blogs specializing in a certain locale, will give you a better idea of what types of activities you can participate in when travelling.

Your goal while planning a vacation on a tight budget is to stretch your money as far as it can go and still give your family the most fun possible while on vacation. Advanced planning and creative thinking are your friends, and will help you have a great time within your travel budget.

Searching for Last Minute Travel Deals

As you might expect, searching the internet is a great place to find last minute travel deals. Websites such as LastMinuteTravel.com, CheapTickets.com, VacationsToGo.com, CruisesOnly.com, FareCompare.com, and TargetVacations.ca are known for their great last minute travel discounts. Many times if you book your flight, along with hotel, car rental, or all-inclusive vacation packages, you can save hundreds of dollars.

Comparing the Best Deals

If you are concerned about getting the best deal at the last minute, one of the features most of these sites have is the ability to compare prices all in one place. You simply type in where you want to go, and the site will give quotes from several different places offering deals. You then read through what the whole package is, compare taxes and fees, and see which one is the best choice.

For instance, if you prefer not to have any layovers when flying, you may find a deal with no extra stops, but you will need to pay an additional $20 a person. If this is worth it to you, and within your budget, you can opt to go with that deal. These sites are going to try to sweeten the pot for you, offering packages that are very appealing. Sort through these offers and you’ll be able to customize the vacation package that best suits your needs.

Subscribe to Newsletters and Email Alerts

Oftentimes, these travel sites will have newsletters or email lists you can join. They will send you weekly emails of all of the deals they have going on. If you see something you like, you log onto the site and check it out. This is often one of the best ways to find last minute travel deals because the alerts come to you, rather than your having to think to check every day.

If you decide to take advantage of this service from several websites, it’s a good idea to set up an separate email for yourself. That way, your regular email won’t get cluttered with newsletters and alerts, and you can keep track of them easier.

Remember, too, that these last minute deals can be very exciting and lucrative, but only if you are prepared. This sort of vacation planning is not for the timid or hesitant. Have your money and passport ready, or be ready to be disappointed as deal after deal slips by. Like I said, this sort of vacation planning is not for everyone; it is only for those who are flexible and prepared.

Don’t Forget Your Local Travel Agent

Nowadays, travel agents rarely make simple flight reservations. They are much more likely to be privy to great package deals waiting to find the right traveller. These deals for last minute flights and hotel bookings are very often not advertised, and you will only know about them if you go in and talk to a travel agent in person. Itís possible that a travel agent could have a group already booked for your vacation destination and there could be a few more tickets available at a great rate.

How flexible are your travel plans? If you know you can travel during a certain period of time, and at short notice, you may be in the perfect position to take advantage of great last minute travel deals. Get your money, your passport, and your luggage out of the closet… your dream vacation awaits, and at a lot less cost than you might expect!

Filling those big cruise ships is first and foremost on a cruiseline’s to-do list. Without a full manifest, the cruiseline’s bottom line suffers. That’s why you can find such incredible deals on cruises, if you know where and how to look for them.

Watch the Deals Roll In

Start your search for cruise deals online on sites like TravelZoo.com, VacationsToGo.com, Icruise.com, and CruisesOnly.com. These websites are actively pursuing people to buy the bargains they find. Besides last minute specials, you can also find cabin upgrades, on-board credit to spend on board, along with other deals.

Rather than sit and search, why not let the websites do the work? Sign up for newsletters and email alerts and you don’t have to think about how and when to search deals, the deals pop up in your email whenever the next one is available. For the very best deals possible, be ready to to go on short notice and be sure to have your passport handy. But, if your travel plans aren’t that flexible, you can still find wonderful trips at great savings if you watch the websites.

Gamble on a Good Time

If you like to have fun and gamble, you can also bid on cruises at online auction sites. You will need to make sure that your travelling time is flexible and your money and passport is ready to go. You will be bidding on open trips, and you will not know when the travel dates are until you win the bid.

Do your research on the price of the trip beforehand, so you will know the maximum amount you will want to bid. The idea is to get the trip for the lowest fare possible, not to pay the same price you would if you were booking normally. Visit sites like Expedia.com and Travelocity.com to get a general idea of what a cruise you would be bidding on is selling for. Then when the right cruise comes up for bid, make your bid and take your chances. If your travel times are flexible and you’re a bit of a gambler, this should be fun for you, and save you lots of money.

Surprising Savings With a Few Travel Tweaks

Along with taking advantage of special deals offered through travel websites, there are other ways to save money by booking your cruise wisely. For instance, cruises during the off-season are much less expensive. Check your destination to see what the off-season is and plan accordingly to take advantage of these deep discounts.

Finding a cruise that sails out of a port closer to your own home will save money on airfare, hotels, and even parking fees. Sailing from a port a bit further from home may work out if you can leave your car at a friend or family’s house in the area and get a lift to the port.

The right cabin can save you a lot of money. If you choose an inside cabin, or a cabin on a lower deck, your cost will be less expensive. However, be aware there is no window in an inside cabin. Give careful consideration to the deck’s floorplan when you make your decision about where you want to spend your cruise vacation.

Travelling with a group could save you a lot of money. For instance, if you book ten cabins, most cruiselines will pay for one cabin. You can then split the cost of the nine cabins between ten people, so everyone saves. Or give the bonus cabin as a gift to one of the travellers. Whatever you do, the idea is you have ten rooms for the price of nine.

Other tips that will save you money include:
1. Keep track of your spending on a little notebook. Most ships use a cashless system, and it’s real easy to lose track and overspend.
2. Alcohol is extra on board most ships so choose to go with the drink of the day for a cheaper price and budget for your spirits so you aren’t surprised.
3. The good news is the food is wonderful and the cost is included in the price of the cruise. If you choose to eat in the dining room rather than the buffets, keep in mind you’ll need to tip your server. The truth is, the exact same food is prepared for the buffet and the dining room.
4. If you’re going to gamble, budget a set amount to spend at the casino rather than using a credit card or ship account.
5. Avoid shopping sprees in port. There are so many wonderful deals, we tend to forget what is allowed on board, and what is not. The ship’s customs area is piled high with shopping spree mistakes.
6. If you must use the internet on board ñ purchase a package.
7. Cell phone connections are outrageously expensive, so avoid making any calls.

If you always thought of a cruise as a ìmillionaires onlyî vacation, think again. Today’s cruiselines offer great deals for the average family, group, or couple. The prices may be cheap, but the cabins and amenities are often quite luxurious. A cruise may be the perfect opportunity to enjoy a five-star vacation on a three-star budget.

But if you want to truly enjoy your vacation, you’ll need to have your budget in line. Money worries while on vacation take all the joy out of your time away. Making the most of your travel dollars, stretching your budget as far as you can, will help ease your mind and set the stage for a relaxing vacation.

In order to make the most of the money you have set aside for your vacation, you will need to spend some time doing research. There are deals out there waiting to be found. Be sure you find them!

Lodging Deals Abound

There are many sites available that offer you lodging discounts and specials, such as free nights when you book so many, in order to make your trip more affordable. Hotels do this in the hopes that they will get future business from you, and maybe you’ll pass that goodwill on to your friends and family. It is a solid marketing strategy for them, and a benefit for you.

When travelling in the United States or Europe, you can find affordable hotel rates on websites like AllHotels.com. If you are travelling anywhere in the world and would rather stay somewhere with a cozier and more home like atmosphere, try a site like BedAndBreakfast.com to find specials and discounts that will make your budget stretch like you won’t believe.

Serve a Heaping Helping Of Meal Deals

Being prepared for what, when, and where you will eat will help you plan and make the most of your food budget. For instance, sites like UrbanSpoon.com and Restaurant.com allow you to search restaurants by neighbourhood, price, features, cuisine, and even by special deals. Find a restaurant, then search for a coupon, or find a coupon and let that dictate which restaurant you’re going to visit. Either way it’s a win-win.

If you want to save even more money, consider eating in at least some of the time. Choosing lodging with a kitchenette can save you a lot of money in the long run. Check websites like Yelp.com to find shopping centers and grocery stores near your hotel or condo, then stock your refrigerator and pantry. Making at least some meals at ‘home’ will help stretch your food budget so you can enjoy eating out at nicer places, or even having spending money for other pleasures.

Calculating Currency Conversion

One thing to remember when calculating expenses and planning your vacation budget is the currency conversion. If you are American and plan to travel to Canada or Europe, you will need to remember that the American dollar may not be worth as much and you will need to budget for the extra dollars needed.

As the currency fluctuates from one day to the next, you can always wait until you are just ready to leave to ensure you get the most accurate conversion rating. Another easy way to know you’re getting the most recent exchange is to use ATM machines in the country you’re visiting rather than exchange beforehand. Check with your bank to be sure your credit card or debit card will be accepted. Also, check to make sure your bank has a reimbursement policy on those ATM fees. If not, you may want to search for a bank that does.

Going on vacation should never put you in the poor house or have you worried about your finances. With proper planning, and making sure you stick to your budget, you can take your family on a trip they will cherish for a lifetime.

But, eating on a budget doesn’t have to be boring. No, you don’t have to have a cooler full of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. You can find inexpensive, delicious alternatives with a bit of pre-planning and some imagination.

Lunch With the Locals

Want a huge, money-saving tip as well as a recommendation for tasty food? Ask the locals where they eat. Usually, youíll find tasty food, good atmosphere, and great prices. Every region has its favorite cuisine, and most cities and towns have a few quaint family restaurants, catering to locals who enjoy a good meal for a good price, no gimmicks, no hype. Follow the locals to these locales and you can’t lose.

Do Your Homework

When you decide on a destination, do the research to find the restaurants and food choices that appeal to you. Sites like LonelyPlanet.com, CitySearch.com, UrbanSpoon.com, and ChowHound.com will give you an idea of affordable, and tasty places to eat in various cities. Search the name of the city youíre visiting to find reviews and blogs that offer more information as well as special offers.

Look for Coupons

Places like Restaurant.com offer coupons and discounts that you can print off and use when you are on vacation. These will help you keep costs down at restaurants, while still being able to enjoy going out to eat. Check out coupon books for the area you are visiting. Try other group coupon sites like Groupon.com or LivingSocial.com to learn about the fantastic deals local restaurants, and other businesses, are offering.

Choose an All-Inclusive Vacation Package

The cost of an all-inclusive package may be worth it. If your family considers refreshing beverages and three meals a day, as well as snacks, an important part of a vacation experience, then you want to consider this option. However, be aware that sometimes ‘spirited’ or alcoholic drinks may not be included. Even so, being able to help yourself to all the cooling drinks and food you want can be a big bonus, especially when you have a lot of hearty eaters.

When considering all-inclusive vacations, don’t limit your thinking. Cruises are a great value. They normally include a lot of amenities. Not only can you eat just about anything you want, just about any time day or night, but most cruises include free activities for kids of all ages, free entertainment for adults, and transportation to exciting ports of call. You’ll also receive, free of charge, wonderful guides to help you choose your excursions, big or small.

Attend Citywide Food Events

A lot of the big cities such as New York City, Boston, Toronto, Dallas, Philadelphia, Puerta Vallarta, Sacramento, and Atlanta have weeks where they celebrate what is considered Restaurant Weeks. This is where, with an entry fee, you can experience excellent meals at a fraction of the cost. There are also competitions to consider, like cook-offs and awards to chefs, restaurants, and even street vendors. Search your vacation destination for these special events for some real good deals, and great cuisine.

Find Fun Food Festivals

Local fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat, fish, or historical events can be enough to spark a festival in many communities. When vacationing in a region that hosts a festival, you are in for a treat. Festivals are a great way to get great food at very little cost. You’ll be enjoying the best of the local cuisine at a very reasonable price, while taking in the area’s ambiance.

Check the area’s tourist bureau for festivals being held during your vacation. There are all sorts of websites ready to offer their knowledge just for searching. Websites like Festivals.com will get you started on the right foot when you’re planning to vacation, and eat, at your favorite destination.

Stay at Home-Style Lodgings For Home-Style Meals

A bed-and-breakfast or similar lodging where a meal is included in the price may be a great option for your vacation stay. Having a nice breakfast can set you up for a good day of sightseeing, and you won’t waste time, or money, stopping for something to eat right in the middle of your fun.

Another option is to stay in a place with a kitchenette. You can save money and time by stocking the refrigerator and pantry with breakfast items, sandwich makings, beverages, and lots of snacks. Another bonus is you can save any leftovers from meals you have at restaurants. The difference between the cost of lodging without a kitchenette and one with a kitchenette can easily be made up in a few days when you consider meals out could cost you hundreds of dollars for the length of your stay.

Start Out With a Full Tummy

When travelling, you want to start out well fed, then have plenty of food to get you where you’re going. Travelling by car allows you to have a cooler on hand to keep packed with filling foods, snacks, and beverages. This will save you time, having to stop to eat, as well as money spent at a roadside restaurant. It will also buy you some time after you arrive; you won’t immediately be looking for a place to eat before you even get settled.

Getting some food into your system is a bit more difficult when flying. Try to eat something before you head to the airport, even if it is too early for your normal breakfast. Having something in your stomach, even a breakfast of a protein bar and a glass of milk, will help you get through the airport without having to stop and spend way too much money on mediocre food. Be sure to pack healthy snacks for the plane, too. Don’t be tempted to buy that overpriced, less than nourishing sandwich on board. Instead, put healthy snack bars, unsalted nuts, and fruit in your carry-on bag. If you’re flying international, especially, be sure to check for the rules about what sorts of food you can bring on board.

If worse comes to worse and you just can’t wait to get to your destination to eat, and you didn’t pack enough to snack on, grab filling packaged snacks from the airport newsstands. Choose chips or popcorn to get you through. And, would you believe beef jerky is actually a low fat snack that’s rich in protein? Yes, you can find snacks that will give you a boost, and keep you going until you land, get settled, and have a real meal.

Quick Bits About Cheap Bites

Another few tips to keep your ‘tank’ full without spending a lot of money on food when travelling:
order from the kids menus
eat out at lunch instead of dinner
order from the ‘bar’ menu
share an assortment of hors d’oeuvres for a meal
opt for big glasses of ice water instead of soft drinks or spirits
buy food from street vendors

When you’re on vacation you want to enjoy not only the sights and events, but the area cuisine, too. Planning ahead and budgeting for meals will help you enjoy a few special restaurants, rather than rushing through a lot of ordinary food places just because you’re hungry. Make the restaurants you visit a memorable part of your vacation, not a necessary, and expensive, bother.

Planning short getaways within just a few hours from home may be just what you need. Short little vacations close to home are easier on the wallet and, frankly, easier on the nerves. Planning and executing long, involved travel plans can backfire, leaving you less relaxed than when you left. Finding places nearby takes a bit of creativity, but it can be very well worth the effort.

Think Like a Tourist

The last time you had friends or family come to visit, I’ll bet you found things to do and places to see. This is a common situation; we residents often miss out on some of our most delightful attractions until we have ‘tourists’ to entertain.

Start by planning a trip to those places youíre always telling your friends about. If you have lovely beaches, beautiful mountain scenery, walking trails, museums, or any attraction you keep talking about, pack up your bags and go see them for yourself. Whether it’s a day trip, or a couple days, make your plans early so you can be prepared and take full advantage of your mini-vacation.

Gather Brochures and Newspapers

Many towns print local ‘what to do’ magazines or fliers that are available in grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, or the travel bureau. Grab a handful and start browsing. Don’t be selective at this point, just grab them. If you think too hard, you’ll eliminate places too quickly that you might want to consider. Those racks and racks of pamphlets and brochures are meant to entice the visitor to your area, so be enticed! Give each one some consideration.

There are typically a few newspapers in most towns or cities that feature a travel or event section. Don’t forget your local or area television and radio station. You’ll sometimes find a segment called ‘community events’ around the news hour. Stay tuned and jot down what’s going on.

Dive Into the Internet Pool

Simple searches in your town, city, or area will give you almost too many choices to imagine. Narrow your search to only include things you may enjoy. Search for your area’s state or national parks for a nice day trip or overnight trip, depending on the accommodations. You may even find local water spots that offer boating, rafting, fishing, and the like.

Be creative when you search the internet. If you only search, for instance, the term ìvacation destinations, your hometownî you will likely only get results for the hot vacation spots, big hotel chains, etc. The hidden gems may not be getting the search love it needs so you can find them. Think outside the term ìvacationî and you may find some real surprises.

Another tool to find local spots is to look at an online map to see areas you hadn’t thought of before. These spots, such as nature preserves and recreational spots, may not have a big internet presence, therefore won’t show up in your search. Oftentimes, nice spots remain hidden from the search engines, but appear on maps as big green areas or areas of interest. Read your map’s legend and find out if you’re missing a local attraction.

Big Fun Right Around the Corner

Water parks, amusement parks, and the like can often be found within an hour or so of many cities. You may likely find that these areas cater to the ‘park going crowd’ and offer deep discounts not only at hotels and motels, but on admission tickets, as well.

The added bonus in going to a city that has a big water park or amusement park, is that they often have other attractions. These towns and cities will usually boast some great museums, a sports venue, shopping, and reasonably priced family dining. Affordable lodging, food, and fun is the name of the game at these communities that feature a big attraction of any sort. Plan your trip for the ‘slightly off season’ and your stay will be less hectic than at the busy times.

Laugh and Learn Locally

Having a learning vacation could be quite the adventure if you do a little research and find the right places. Depending on your area, you may be able to visit a ranch, a zoo, a farm, a winery, a tree nursery, a crafting colony, or even a chocolate factory.

Wouldn’t it be great if your kids could help feed a newborn foal? A visit to a working farm could teach you and your kids how to milk cows, collect eggs, or churn butter. Perhaps you could plant the next generation of Christmas trees, or create lovely candles, or learn how to make fudge. Many factories, farms, and craft and artist colonies offer free tours, requesting only a donation.

A vacation is merely a change from the ordinary, a place to get away to, a time to do something fun and interesting. Chances are there are many places around your own hometown that you have never been to. You may have talked about these places and even suggested them to visitors. Now is the time to treat yourself like a visitor. Go ahead and plan a day or two creating memories with your family in places not so very far away.

If you have a limited vacation budget, but you would still like to take the family on a nice camping trip, there are several ways to cut costs.

Borrow From Friends or Family

If you have friends and family who like to go camping a lot, chances are you can borrow some of their items for your trip. Unless you go camping all the time, there really is little reason to buy a lot of camping equipment. Most people are more than willing to loan their camping stuff so it gets used regularly, keeping it from molding or rusting.

Take advantage of the generosity of your camping relatives and friends by borrowing things like canteens, water jugs, camp stoves, lanterns, coolers, coffee maker, griddle, heater, and even camping dishes and cutlery. Of course, you’ll want to borrow the tents, as well as sleeping mattresses and sleeping bags, if possible. However, for a small investment, you can buy your own sleeping bags, pillows, and extra bedding just so you have your own personal items.

Buy Second Hand Items

Walk into any quality second hand store and you’ll find piles of gently used camping equipment. That’s because there are always people who make the mistake of thinking they’re going to devote their vacation time to the camping experience, buy all new equipment, and find out they should have borrowed or bought second hand before they splurged. With that said, you can take advantage of these hasty decisions by buying camping gear for next to nothing.

Visit yard sales and flea markets, too, for gear that is practically free for the asking. Tents may need to be aired out and scrubbed well, but a little elbow-grease goes a long way toward the cost of a brand new tent. Used sleeping bags may not be as appealing as other equipment, but consider buying used sleeping bags for extra padding underneath your air mattresses, or for sitting around the campfire. A little diluted bleach goes a long way to sprucing up, freshening up, and getting the mold and mildew out of used gear.

Find Gear and Campsite Deals Online

Not only can you find specialized second hand camping sites like The Outdoor Gear Exchange or Outdoor Online, you can also hit up the classifieds like Craigslist, FreeSell, and Kijiji for some great local deals. Keep in mind that shopping online can involve shipping if you are not shopping locally. Do the math before you make your decision.

Of course, besides the camping gear and supplies, you’ll need to plan out where you will be staying. Your shoestring vacation budget might not allow for a trip to Yosemite, but you can find many fine parks that offer great deals right along with their magnificent vistas.

Search county, state, and national park websites to find campsites near you, as well as any special deals. Many of these parks offer free camping promotions once each year. You’ll find campgrounds that offer shower facilities, boating equipment, fishing, and even classes in snorkeling or other summer sports.

You might want to visit sites like Boondocking.org or FreeCampsites.net and others like them that give you resources for finding places to camp free. Campers also love to share their favorite finds in websites and forums. Search around the internet and start clicking on interesting looking sites, but always check the authenticity of a free campsite by calling the local tourist bureau.

Plan Your Camp Cuisine

As far as food choices go, camping calls for easy meals, but there is a wide variety of food to consider. Stocking coolers with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks may be your idea of the perfect camping experience. Or, you may want to have the makings ready so you can throw together a nice meal.

Your decision may depend on the equipment and cooking setup you have available. If you are using a camp stove, you can make just about anything you want as long as it can be cooked in a pot or skillet. Of course, the size of the stove and the amount of propane will limit your menu, but just be creative. You can make everything from soup to fried potatoes to hamburgers and steak on a camp stove, so long as you bring the necessary pots and pans.

Then there are the campfires and grills. If you are fortunate enough to have a campsite with either, or both, your cooking experience could include a whole repertoire of goodies. It will all depend on how much time you want to spend cooking, and the availability of food. Planning ahead is the key to success.

Cleaning up may not be easy, so that may help determine the types of meals you make. To avoid a mess, try making all-in-one meals in heavy duty foil for the grill. A foil bundle hot off the grill filled with potatoes, ham, and onions is a nice treat after a busy day hiking or boating. Kids always enjoy hotdogs over a campfire. Plan each meal in advance and you won’t go wrong.

And, don’t forget dessert! Marshmallows roasted over an open fire are a delight for all ages, and they are extremely cheap. Expand on that theme with something as simple as graham crackers and chocolate bars and you have the perfect camping dessert ñ S’mores. Who needs a fancy dessert cart?

Taking the family camping is a learning experience. Each year, you’ll figure out how to do things better, and cheaper. Start small, and if it turns out you are in love with ‘roughing it’ then go ahead and branch out. Keep the frugal camping basics in mind, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Full Speed Ahead

If your idea of a rejuvenating vacation is to kick up your routine a notch or two, a long weekend in a big city for shopping, dancing, and fine dining can get your blood pumping again and even introduce you to some new friends. Try New York City, for example. You can eat street vendor food, take in an off-Broadway show, and shop huge discount houses in order to save money. A walk in Central Park is free. Save on items you can so you can splurge on the things that are important to your big city adventure.

Even though you wouldn’t call New York City, or most big cities, cheap destinations, there are plenty of deals to be found. Search the internet for coupons and deals before booking. Also, consider the fact that flights to major airports are often cheaper simply because they are major connections or hubs for just about everywhere.

For short trips, like long weekends, a large city can’t be beat for deals, inexpensive travel, and excitement. Plan one event and wrap a few smaller events around it and your itinerary will fill up fast. That four day vacation will feel like a week before you know it, perfect for the jet-setter.

Reduced Speed Ahead

If your idea of the perfect vacation is one where you can slow the pace down and enjoy quiet moments, then a long weekend in a spa may be right up your alley. Check out the fantastic spas in Arizona, California, West Virginia, Oregon, and Washington, and all across the country for a quick getaway spa package. Four days in the warm sun and cool nights will do you, and your nerves, wonders.

Or, take a tour. We’re not talking about the kind where you’re stuck on a bus. There are many tours that are relaxing, fun, and even educational. Winery tours are great examples of touring in a nice atmosphere that is easy-going with beautiful scenery and, of course, with the pleasures of wine mixed in. Sign up for cooking classes, painting classes, or even walking tours through historic places.

Of course, if you just need quiet time, four days at the beach or in the mountains may be perfect for you. Choose the ìslightly off seasonî – the weeks right before or after peak season, and you’ll enjoy the good weather along with the cut rates. Bring along the books you’ve been meaning to read, or the cross-stitch, or even that great American novel you’ve been working on writing. Time away from the hustle bustle of your life, even if only a few days, can work wonders to restore your energy.

Big Time Travel Destinations

If your vacation plans involve more than a few days, you want to branch out. Whether you choose to grab one or two of your other single friends, or brave the adventure alone, there are many destinations that are made just for you.

Singles vacations are so desirable, you can often get great all-inclusive deals at some of the most popular areas and hotels. If you love to dance the night away, sunbathe and swim without worrying about kids around, or enjoy other adult fun, then exotic places like Cancun, Aruba, and Jamaica are perfect, affordable getaways custom made for you. Be sure to go online and compare deals at all these destinations. They are all vying for your dollars, and are very competitive, so be selective and choose the package that suits you best for the right price.

For sheer historic grandeur, music, art, poetry, and scenic beauty, a trip to Greece, Italy, France, or Amsterdam may be just what you are looking for. You will be able to take hikes along the mountainside, meander through old village streets, walk along sandy beaches, explore the ruins of old castles, and see museums filled with breathtaking art. The single traveller can save big money by signing up for a tour. There are many tours organized specifically for singles, so you don’t have to feel like a fifth wheel. And, the price is right. The tour company wants to fill the spots, so each individual gets a great deal.

All inclusive vacations, like the ones that are very popular in the Caribbean, are great deals for singles. You don’t have to worry about carrying extra money around or where you’re going to eat. Everything is right there for you. European tours for singles take the worry out of travelling alone. You can relax and enjoy the view, or get involved meeting new people. Both vacations give the single traveller complete control over how they want to enjoy themselves ñ full throttle or coasting.

Years ago the tourism industry catered completely to families. Now, the single traveller has taken front stage. Whether young or old, single people want the freedom to choose a vacation destination to suit their needs, either alone or with a group. Inexpensive options are everywhere, when you take the time to look.